Process Development Lead
Process Development Lead –
eXoZymes Inc. (Monrovia, CA)
About eXoZymes
eXoZymes Inc. (NASDAQ: EXOZ) is a Monrovia, CA–based biotechnology company developing AI-enhanced enzymes - exozymes - to produce high-value nutraceutical and pharmaceutical ingredients from sustainable feedstocks. Our proprietary cell-free biocatalysis platform enables the conversion of low-cost inputs into bioactive compounds at near-theoretical yields, providing a scalable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional methods of producing or extracting chemicals.
Backed by public-market capital, private investment, and multi-million-dollar government grants, eXoZymes is expanding its platform, products, and team as we build the next generation of sustainable biomanufacturing technologies.
Position and Scope
We are seeking an experienced process chemist or process engineer with a background in process chemistry, chemical manufacturing, isolation chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, or bioprocess engineering, to join our dynamic team to lead the development and scale of processes to manufacture select, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical ingredients via our enzymatic cell-free systems. This role bridges R&D and GMP manufacturing by translating laboratory-scale processes into robust, scalable, and compliant cell-free enzymatic manufacturing processes. The ideal candidate will be an experienced chemist and/or chemical engineer who is familiar with enzymes, reaction engineering, small-molecule isolation, process design and scale and has demonstrated project leadership ability. The position is full-time and located in Monrovia, CA.
Duties and Responsibilities
Team Leadership & Project Management
- Facilitate a cross-functional team, comprised of Research, Development, Engineering, pilot-scale manufacturing and third-party contract manufacturers to develop a streamlined, scale-up ready cell-free enzymatic process, inclusive of the fermentation and purification of input enzymes, a cell-free reaction comprised of those enzymes, and isolation and purification of the final product.
- Foster collaboration and transparency, helping to define and then transition our lab-scale process to build our commercial manufacturing process from enzymatic catalyst production to final bioactive compound (active and/or value-added ingredients used in the manufacture of nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals).
- Work closely with Analytical Development, Quality and Regulatory Affairs partners.
- Play an active role in hiring and building an agile team to perform needed tasks.
Process Development & Optimization
- Collaborate with Process Engineering and Protein Production Teams to develop and optimize upstream (fermentation) and/or downstream (purification, filtration) processes, define and set process metrics, and optimize reaction conditions for efficient scaling of cell free enzymatic reactions.
- Establish mechanistic and empirical modeling frameworks to translate early-stage biocatalysis into scalable, tech-transfer-ready process descriptions and control strategies.
- Independently design and execute experiments (DoE) to improve yield, quality, robustness, and cost efficiency.
- Perform scale-up and technology transfer from lab to pilot and manufacturing scale.
- Author and review process descriptions, batch records, SOPs, and technical reports for technical transfer packages.
- Participate in process characterization and validation activities.
- Analyze experimental and manufacturing data using statistical and scientific tools.
- Maintain accurate laboratory records and generate clear technical documentation.
- Contribute to regulatory filings (e.g. FDA – GRAS & DMF).
- Present results and recommendations to internal teams and leadership.
Data Analysis & Documentation
- Analyze experimental and manufacturing data using statistical and scientific tools.
- Maintain accurate laboratory records and generate clear technical documentation.
- Contribute to regulatory filings (e.g. FDA – GRAS & DMF).
- Present results and recommendations to internal teams and leadership.
Skills and Experience
- Education:
- BS with 5-8+ yrs of industry experience
OR - MS with 2-5+ yrs of industry experience
OR - PhD with 1-4+ yrs of industry experience in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, chemistry, or related fields required.
- BS with 5-8+ yrs of industry experience
- Demonstrated productivity and successful track record of scaling commercial processes.
- Ability to effectively manage a project and collaborate with interdisciplinary departments.
- Broad knowledge of process chemistry, biochemistry, bioprocessing, downstream processing, and/or chemical engineering.
- Experience working with manufacturing organizations (third-party preferred) to successfully perform technical transfers and deliver targeted commercial manufacturing processes.
- Experience with natural products, enzymes, and nutraceuticals is considered a plus.
- Experience developing FDA-regulated manufacturing processes is considered a plus.
- Legal authorization to work in the United States.
Personal Attributes
- Entrepreneurial spirit and self-starter
- Team player and enjoys working with others, collaborative
- Excellent communication skills, written and verbal, including executive presentation
- A proactive, ambitious individual, willing to make the extra effort to achieve objectives and thrives in a stimulating, fast-paced environment
- Highest level of integrity, character and humility
Targeted Annual Salary Range: $100 - $170K
Our Commitment to Diversity
At eXoZymes, we don’t just accept difference—we celebrate it, support it, and thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, biosolutions, and community. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, maintain a welcoming and inclusive work environment and offer reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.
Interested candidates, please email cover letter and CV to hiring@exozymes.com.